At Paws, we know first hand how many dogs dread getting their nails trimmed. While we relish in the relaxation of getting our nails done, our dogs just don’t feel the same way when it comes to “pet-icures”. While getting your dog’s nails done can be a nuisance to both you and your dog, it is an important piece of pup maintenance that you shouldn’t put off.
The Importance Of Doggy Nail Maintenance
Even if it seems easier to ignore the long length of your dog’s nails, we can’t recommend it. Leaving your dog’s nails untrimmed can cause pain and discomfort, especially when walking. Nails that grow too long can start to curve and end up growing into the pads of the paws. This is painful and can lead to nasty infections. Long nails are also more vulnerable to getting caught on materials such as fabrics in which the end result can be a broken nail, or worse, an injured toe.
Pet-icure Tips
The best way to ensure your pup behaves for his routine nail trim is to start early. If you have a puppy, begin trimming their nails now. Get them used to this practice, the better your chances will be of not having to battle them during nail trims in the future.
Hind sight is always 20/20. If your adult dog doesn’t handle nail trims well, it might be best to consult with a groomer or your vet. If you feel uncomfortable with trimming on your own (maybe your dog’s nails are black or you are just afraid of hurting them), consult with a groomer or your vet.
When trimming your dogs nails, use nail clippers. Grinders can seem less scary, but clippers are a better tool to ensure quicker results. If your dog’s nails are white or clear and pink in appearance, you will want to cut on white surface. The pink part of your dog’s nail is the quick. Cutting the quick will be painful and cause the nail to bleed.
If you want to diminish the need for nail trims, take your dog for frequent walks. Dogs who go for daily walks tend to need nail trims less often than those who don’t. This is due to the asphalt or other rough surfaces that naturally file down nails over time.
The most important thing is to never let your dog’s nails grow too long. Remember that overgrown nails can cause your beloved pup pain. Adding a nail trim to your dog’s maintenance regimen will help ensure that your dog is healthy and happy.
